Heading to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2025 in Las Vegas and wondering how to get around? This guide covers everything you need to know about transportation for NFR 2025 – from free NFR Express shuttles and parking at the Thomas & Mack Center to Monorail, rideshare, taxis and tips for avoiding traffic.
Whether you’re staying on the Strip, downtown, near the Las Vegas Convention Center or driving in for one night, use this page as your go-to transportation plan for NFR week.
Quick Overview: Best Ways to Get to NFR 2025
- NFR Express Shuttle: Free shuttle service between official NFR host hotels, Cowboy Christmas (LVCC) and the Thomas & Mack Center.
- Las Vegas Monorail: Fast way to move up and down the Strip and connect with shuttle pickup hotels and the Convention Center.
- Rideshare & Taxis: Uber, Lyft and cabs with designated pickup/drop-off near the arena.
- Driving & Parking: Limited paid parking at Thomas & Mack Center; arrive early and expect traffic.
- RTC Buses & Walking: Deuce/Strip buses and short walks between resorts if you like to stay on foot.
For most fans, the easiest combo is NFR Express + Monorail + occasional rideshare. Driving is possible but usually the most stressful option during NFR.
NFR Express Shuttle Bus Service (Free)
The NFR Express is the official shuttle bus system for the Wrangler NFR. It’s designed to move fans between the Thomas & Mack Center, Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and dozens of host hotels on the Strip and downtown.
Key Facts About NFR Express
- Cost: FREE for all NFR attendees (no ticket required to ride).
- Routes: 14 routes serving 20+ official NFR host properties across the Strip, LVCC and downtown.
- Pre-Event Times: Typically 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. from hotels and LVCC to Thomas & Mack Center.
- Post-Event Times: Typically 8:15 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. from Thomas & Mack back to hotels and LVCC.
- Frequency: Most routes depart every 15–30 minutes (or when buses are full).
Exact routes and times are posted each year on the official NFR Express Shuttle page and in the NFR Experience app. Check the latest 2025 schedule before you travel.
Do I Need to Stay at a Host Hotel to Use NFR Express?
No. You can use NFR Express even if you’re staying somewhere else. However, buses only stop at official NFR host hotels and the Las Vegas Convention Center, so you’ll need to walk or rideshare to the nearest host hotel pickup point.
Typical host hotel categories include:
- South Strip resorts (Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur area)
- Mid-Strip (MGM, Park MGM, New York-New York, etc.)
- Center/North Strip (Flamingo, Horseshoe/Paris, Caesars, LINQ, Harrah’s, Westgate, SAHARA)
- Downtown (Fremont Street area)
- Las Vegas Convention Center / Westgate area
Tip: If you’re unsure which host hotel is closest to you, look at the official NFR host hotel list and pick the one that’s easiest to walk or rideshare to.
How to Use the NFR Express Like a Pro
- Go early: Catch a shuttle closer to 4:00–5:00 p.m. to avoid the peak 5:30–6:00 p.m. rush.
- Know your route number: Each hotel is assigned a route number; match the number on the bus sign.
- After the rodeo: Buses start returning around 8:15 p.m. and run until about 9:45 p.m. – don’t wait until the last minute.
- Ask the NFR ambassador: At each shuttle stop, there’s usually a staff member who can confirm which bus to board.
Las Vegas Monorail & NFR
The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip from Sahara Las Vegas in the north to MGM Grand in the south. It has seven stations, including Las Vegas Convention Center and Westgate, which are important hubs for NFR fans.
Why the Monorail Is Useful During NFR
- Connects many monorail-side resorts to Cowboy Christmas at the LVCC.
- Makes it easy to reach host hotels that have NFR Express pickup points.
- Avoids Strip traffic and long taxi lines.
- Trains usually arrive every 4–8 minutes.
Monorail Stations (North to South)
- SAHARA Las Vegas
- Westgate Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Convention Center
- Harrah’s / The LINQ
- Flamingo / Caesars Palace
- Horseshoe / Paris Las Vegas
- MGM Grand
You can buy tickets as single rides or unlimited ride passes (1-day, 2-day, 3-day, etc.) directly at the station or online. For most NFR visitors, a 3-day or 5-day unlimited pass during the core of your trip is the best deal.
Driving & Parking at Thomas & Mack Center
You can drive to the Wrangler NFR, but parking is limited and fills up quickly. Plan ahead if you choose this option.
Parking Cost & Availability
- Location: Lots around the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus.
- Cost: Around $30 per vehicle per performance (price may vary slightly year to year).
- Advance passes: In some years, single-night parking passes are sold in advance through UNLV Tickets.
- Traffic: Expect heavy traffic on and around Harmon Ave, Swenson St and Tropicana Ave before and after each performance.
Important: Campus roads may be closed or re-routed during NFR. Follow event signage and staff directions, and allow extra time if you’re arriving close to performance time.
When Driving Makes Sense
Driving can work well if:
- You’re staying off-Strip or in a vacation rental far from a host hotel.
- You have a full group and want to split the parking cost.
- You plan to leave directly after the rodeo and skip after-parties.
If you’re staying on the Strip or downtown, the free NFR Express usually beats driving in terms of stress and cost.
Rideshare & Taxis (Uber, Lyft, Cabs)
Uber, Lyft and traditional taxis are widely available during NFR, but they can be extremely busy right after each performance.
Where to Get Picked Up at Thomas & Mack
- Rideshare pickup/drop-off: Typically located in the Scarlet Lot, south of the Thomas & Mack Center and adjacent to the parking garages.
- Signs and staff will direct you from the arena exits to the rideshare area.
Tips for using rideshare at NFR:
- Prices surge right after the performance; waiting 20–30 minutes can save money.
- Double-check you’re in the correct pickup zone before confirming the ride.
- Share a ride with friends to split the cost.
Taxis are also available at most Strip and downtown hotels with dedicated cab lines. For quick trips between nearby casinos, a taxi can sometimes be faster than waiting for rideshare.
RTC Buses, Deuce & Walking
RTC / Deuce Bus
Las Vegas’s RTC system runs the Deuce and other routes along the Strip and downtown. The buses are slower than the Monorail (because they sit in traffic) but can be a budget-friendly backup option.
Use the Deuce if:
- You’re staying downtown and want to reach Strip hotels with NFR shuttles.
- You don’t mind extra travel time in exchange for a cheaper fare.
Walking Between Resorts
On the Strip and downtown, many hotels are within easy walking distance of one another. If you’re able and comfortable walking in cowboy boots, you can:
- Walk from your hotel to the nearest NFR Express host hotel.
- Walk between after-parties, bars and viewing venues on the Strip or Fremont Street.
Just remember: distances on the Strip are longer than they look on a map. Wear comfortable boots/shoes, drink water, and consider a rideshare for longer stretches.
Sample Transportation Plans for NFR 2025
If You’re Staying on the South Strip (Mandalay Bay / MGM / Excalibur Area)
- Daytime: Use the Monorail (MGM station) or walk/tram to mid-Strip & LVCC for Cowboy Christmas.
- To the Rodeo: Take NFR Express from your hotel between 4:00–5:30 p.m.
- After the Rodeo: Use NFR Express back to your hotel, then hit the nearby after-parties.
If You’re Staying Near the Convention Center / Westgate
- Daytime: Walk or Monorail to Cowboy Christmas and Junior NFR at LVCC.
- To the Rodeo: Board the NFR Express at LVCC or Westgate for a direct ride to Thomas & Mack.
- After the Rodeo: Ride NFR Express back and use Monorail for after-parties along the Strip.
If You’re Staying Downtown (Fremont Street)
- Daytime: Use Deuce bus or rideshare to reach Strip events during the day.
- To the Rodeo: Use NFR Express from a downtown host hotel to Thomas & Mack.
- After the Rodeo: Take NFR Express back downtown and enjoy Fremont Street nightlife.
If You’re Driving In for One Night
- Arrive early – aim for the parking lots by 4:30–5:00 p.m.
- Follow campus signage and staff directions for event parking.
- Stay put after the show for a bit or visit a nearby bar to let traffic thin out.
FAQ: NFR 2025 Transportation
Is there a free shuttle to the NFR in 2025?
Yes. The NFR Express shuttle bus is free and runs between the Thomas & Mack Center, Cowboy Christmas at the LVCC and official NFR host hotels on the Strip and downtown. You do not need a ticket to ride, but buses only stop at designated hotels and LVCC.
Do I have to stay at a host hotel to ride the NFR Express?
No. Anyone can ride, but the buses will only pick up and drop off at official host hotels and the Convention Center. If you’re staying elsewhere, walk or rideshare to the nearest host hotel stop.
How much is parking at the Thomas & Mack Center during NFR 2025?
Parking for NFR performances is typically around $30 per vehicle per performance, with limited spaces available. Always check the latest information from the NFR Experience or UNLV before you go in case prices or rules change.
Does the Las Vegas Monorail go to the Thomas & Mack Center?
No. The Monorail does not go directly to Thomas & Mack Center. However, it stops at MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars, Harrah’s/LINQ, LVCC, Westgate and SAHARA, which makes it very useful for reaching host hotels and Cowboy Christmas. From there you can take the NFR Express shuttle to the arena.
What is the best way to get to NFR if I don’t want to drive?
The easiest and most budget-friendly option is usually a combination of Las Vegas Monorail (to reach LVCC/host hotels) and the free NFR Express shuttle to Thomas & Mack Center. For late-night after-parties or off-route trips, add Uber/Lyft or taxis when needed.
How early should I leave my hotel for the NFR performance?
If you’re using NFR Express or driving, aim to leave your hotel between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. for a 5:45 p.m. performance. This gives you time for traffic, security, a drink at Cowboy Corral and getting to your seat before the grand entry.
Use this guide to build your own transportation plan and you’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and more time enjoying NFR 2025 in Las Vegas.